Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: '16 RHP Gavin Lyon commits to Ohio State



Gavin Lyon, RHP, Westerville Central HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose OSU?

Lyons: I chose OSU because the moment I was able to visit, I knew it was where I wanted to play ball. After meeting Coach Beals, Coach Stafford, Coach Holick and the other coaches and experiencing the laid back but competitive nature of practice, I knew it was the right fit for me. I also chose OSU for its endless academic opportunities. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Lyons: I was considering other teams in the ACC, C-USA, and Big Ten. 

PBR: Where did Coach Beals first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Lyons:  I'm not totally sure where Coach Beals first saw me play. I believe that Coach Holick and Coach Stafford saw me play at the Top Prospect Games and the Future Games. From that point on we stayed in contact until setting up a visit last September. After the visit, we maintained communication and I was able to spend more time getting to know all of the Coaches at a few football games until I officially became a Buckeye. 

PBR: You performed extremely well in some of the premier PBR events this summer.  How did that help your recruiting process?

Lyons: I can't say enough about the PBR events. It is such a privilege to be able to perform in front of so many coaches at one time. Not only that, it was an amazing experience getting to play with and against some of the top players in the state. I can't thank Coach Valentine enough for inviting me to the TPG. 

PBR: Your high school teammate, Noah West, also committed to Ohio State.  How much of an influence did he have on your decision to choose the Buckeyes?

Lyons: Noah and I have been best friends and played ball together as long as I can remember. It has always been a dream for both of us to get the opportunity to play D1 baseball. The fact that we both get to play for the College we grew up watching is surreal and we are both very excited for this opportunity.

PBR: Your high school team, Westerville Central, is loaded with talent this year.  What are your team and individual goals for this spring?

Lyons: This year our focus is no different from last year. Our goal is to simplify the game as much as possible focusing on quality innings and quality at bats and to take it one game at a time. We truly believe that if we do this, then the sky is the limit. Personally my goals are to contribute to the team as much as I can, to be a leader, and to just become a better pitcher.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience? 

Lyons: Last year I played for Westerville Central during the summer. My most memorable experience was playing a tournament in that state up north with a bunch of guys from my school. It was a blast, we had a great tournament, tons of fun, and it's an experience I will never forget. Next year I am playing for Ohio Elite with Coach Valentine. I am really looking forward to it. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Lyons: I didn't have many expectations about the recruiting process because it all seemed so surreal. It felt great to commit to the Buckeyes.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?        

Lyon: My parents have had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. Their endless love and support has helped me each and every step of the way and I cannot thank them enough for all they do.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Westerville Central?

Lyons: Batting .375, Pitching 5-0, .27 ERA, 59 K's, 33.33 IP